The Features That Matter

For a real estate drone, the most essential component is obviously the camera. So for a drone to qualify in the top three, it must have a 4K camera.

This ensures ultra HD quality videos that are no different from what a Hollywood producer makes.

Remember that real estate marketing is all about appeal. Customers’ first perceptions are largely based on the quality of pictures and videos they see. With a 4K camera, you can take stunning imagery that sells.

The stability of the camera is just as important as the camera itself. I recommend using nothing less than a 3-axis gimbal. This provides the smoothest videos without any shaking or vibrations.

The kind of drone you are using also matters a great deal. It needs to be a drone that’s easy to use, comes with features to help you fly safely and take great images and videos and can fly relatively well even in choppy wind conditions.

With those features in mind, here are the three drones that I think top the chart when it comes to real estate marketing. I have not listed them in any particular order.

DJI Mavic Pro

Price-wise the Mavic Pro is the middle-of-the-road choice between the $700 Typhoon 4K and the $3,000 Inpire 2.

If you are looking for a good real estate drone but don’t have the budget for a premium buy like the Inspire 2 or the Phantom 4 Pro, this is a good choice.

Why it’s Good for Real Estate Marketing

1. 4K camera

Despite the small body, DJI was able to pack a 4K camera onto the Mavic Pro. It captures 4K video at 30fps and 12MP stills at 4000×3000 pixels.

In fact, looking at the full camera spec sheet, it’s almost as good as a full size camera. So you can be sure that your photos and videos will look good.

The camera has a smaller field of view than the Phantom 4 Pro, so your photos will not be as expansive.

2. 3-axis gimbal

DJI had also to design an extra-small gimbal system to contend with the smaller drone size. The 3-axis gimbal works perfectly to create smooth videos and eliminate vibrations.

You can create professional-looking video walkthroughs of a property and capture sweeping shots from above.

The gimbal can rotate 90 degrees downwards for straight-down shots and 30 degrees upwards. You can also control the pitch using the controller wheel.

And in case you want portrait shots, the camera can spin 90 degrees to go from landscape mode to portrait.

3. Easy intuitive control

The Mavic Pro comes with several features that make flying it easy and intuitive. They help you focus more on taking images and videos and less on flying.

For instance there is the tripod mode which comes in handy for indoor shots and videos. In this mode, the drone changes to a slower and precise movement to capture as much detail as possible.

There is also TapToFly which allows you to set a path for the drone to automatically fly along.

Yuneec Q500 4K Typhoon

This is the best value real estate drone. At around $700, you get a drone with a 4K camera, 3-axis gimbal and a controller with a large touchscreen.

Why it’s good for real estate marketing

1. 4K camera, 3-axis gimbal and SteadyGrip

The 4K camera captures ultra HD videos at 30fps. You can also capture slow motion 1080p videos at 120fps. Like the Mavic Pro, it also captures images at 12MP.

The 3-axis CGO3 Gimbal Camera eliminates any vibrations or shaking that could distort your images and videos. In small areas where the copter can’t fly, you can use the handheld SteadyGrip to capture smooth videos.

2. Easy navigation

The Yuneec 4K has three easy operating modes: smart mode to fly in a specific radius, angle mode for more shot variety and home mode in case you lose signal.

3. Full-featured ground station

The ground station provides flight control (direction, pitch, speed etc.), camera control (angle, resolution, exposure etc.) and live streaming on a 5.5-inch touchscreen.

DJI Inspire 2

It was a tough debate between Inspire 2 and Phantom 4 Pro. They are two great drones that I would recommend to any UAV expert getting into real estate.

In the end, Inspire 2 made the cut for top 3 because it’s heavier (hence better for windy conditions) and provides more powerful camera capabilities. See this quick comparison by DJI if you are torn between the two.

Why it’s great for real estate marketing

1. 5.2K/4K video and 20.8MP Stills

You get markedly improved picture and video quality with the Inspire 2 compared with the MAvic Pro or even Phantom 4 Pro. It captures 5.2K video with the Zenmuse X5S micro four thirds camera and 4K with the X4S camera.

Andrew Nixon

I was surprised to see that you omitted the Karma. I sell RE and also shoot for other agents too. I own the Mavic Pro, the Phantom 4 (I had the 2 and the 3 as well and also the HDR Solo at one point) and I also own a Karma. I know Karma got off to a rough start but I am finding it invaluable for RE photography and videography especially in tight spots due to the ultra wide angle lens and the new Linear Mode. You’d be surprised at the number of agents (and homeowners) who want their property shot and then you get there and its surrounded by trees! Answer: GoPro on a Karma! I also use the Karma grip with same GoPro on it to shoot the interior video which is very convenient.

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